In a major boost to religious, wellness, and wildlife tourism, the Madhya Pradesh government announced on Tuesday that it will create dedicated helipads for the recently launched PM-Shri Heli Tourism Service, aimed at providing helicopter connectivity to the state’s most revered spiritual destinations.
Dedicated helipads have already been completed at three key locations: Bichauli Hapsi near Indore, behind the police line in Ujjain, and Mandhata in Omkareshwar. With these facilities operational, pilgrims and tourists can now visit both Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain and Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on the banks of the Narmada in a single day. What currently takes 6–8 hours by road can now be completed in under 90 minutes by air.
Launched on November 20, the heli service is expected to transform the way devotees experience Madhya Pradesh’s sacred sites. State Urban Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said, “It will save time, reduce fatigue, and allow visitors to offer prayers at two of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas in one spiritually enriching day.”
The initiative extends beyond religious tourism. Land has been allotted for state-of-the-art wellness centres in Bhopal and deep inside the forests of Pachmarhi. These luxury facilities, expected to open within months, will offer Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, and meditation retreats amid nature.
Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife tourism is also gaining global attention. Renowned tiger reserves such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Satpura continue to attract wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe. The marble rocks of Bhedaghat, where the Narmada flows between dazzling white cliffs, are being promoted as one of the planet’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Vijayvargiya highlighted the success of the state’s cheetah and leopard reintroduction projects, noting that animals translocated from Africa and other countries are thriving, breeding, and raising cubs – a testament to the dedication of Madhya Pradesh’s forest department.
“With seamless helicopter connectivity, world-class wellness retreats, and thriving wildlife sanctuaries, Madhya Pradesh is rapidly emerging as India’s ultimate destination for spiritual seekers, nature lovers, and conscious travellers,” he said.
Tourism Department sources indicate a surge in investor interest, with several international hospitality chains in talks for partnerships, positioning Madhya Pradesh as a hub for spiritual and eco-tourism in India.
(IANS)